Russia, EAEU sign preferential trade deal with UAE

Russia's State Duma has ratified an economic partnership agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and the United Arab Emirates establishing preferential trade regimes for over 85% of goods.

The deal reflects Moscow's pivot toward non-Western markets following comprehensive Western sanctions over the Ukraine invasion. The EAEU—comprising Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia—seeks to deepen Gulf trade ties.

The UAE agreement signals continued economic engagement with Russia despite international isolation. EU policymakers monitor such arrangements to assess sanctions effectiveness and geopolitical realignment in Central Asia and the Middle East.